Originally played in the woods, the sport of paintball evolved over the years, spawning a popular, fast-paced variant known as speedball. While the object remains the same, to shoot as many opposing team members as possible with a paintball gun, speedball competitions take place in an enclosed court featuring large inflatable obstacles called bunkers. The unique playing field provides the opportunity for more aggressive action. The following list includes a few of the more popular speedball techniques.
Movement
In speedball, it’s important to keep moving. Players should dart from bunker to bunker, especially when the movement takes place outside of the opposing team’s view. The constant movement keeps the opposition from knowing your true position, limiting their ability to get a clear, confident shot.
Communication
Proper speedball strategy depends on excellent communication between teammates. Teams must work together, scouting the field for potential attack opportunities or enemy advances. Players should be in constant communication, informing each other when teammates and enemy players have been shot so as not to lose any tactical advantage. Teams may use hand signals for more secrecy.
Vision
Speedball players must learn to survey the entire field without focusing on any one particular area. Developing tunnel vision will prove disastrous. Things change quickly in speedball, so staring at only one portion of the field will leave you vulnerable to attack. Stay protected behind bunkers but never lose sight of the enemy.
Snap Shooting
Since there’s no time to safely aim, speedball players must develop excellent snap shooting skills. The term snap shooting means to cut out from behind a bunker and fire a few quick shots and then quickly reclaim the bunker’s protection. Snap shooting entails getting off as many shots as possible without staying exposed in the open for very long. Dedicated practice will develop a feel for snap shooting.
Flanking
Players should always guard their team’s flanks, or outer edges. If an enemy gets to the outside, he can circle behind and decimate your ranks. By the same token, always look for ways to exploit your opponents’ flanks. One valiant flank run can snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Players can achieve flanking through communication and teamwork. For example, one player can pin the opposition behind a bunker with a constant stream of fire while a teammate sneaks around the outside to seize the advantage. Such distraction tactics can prove invaluable when flanking.
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